can i rebuild?
“How does it work? How much will it cost? Where do I start?”
Here’s a quick guide to making a decision that’s right for you.
*This information has been checked for accuracy and non-bias by
licensed professionals, subject matter experts, and previous survivors.
Consult with a licensed professional about your specific situation.what you might
be thinking
You may be asking yourself, “Can I pull this off?”
Your budget is only one factor in deciding how to rebuild - how long it takes and how hard it will be also matter. The choice is deeply personal.
The good news: many organizations offer discounts and resources to help fire survivors rebuild. Let’s start with some prompts to help clarify your path.
what’s your
budget?
Experts advise starting with your total budget and backing your options into it.
We made a calculator to help you understand what you have and what you can build for it.
what’s your
timeline?
Assess how long you can realistically stay displaced. Consider your budget (existing mortgage, current living costs, moving expenses), as well as your physical health, and emotional well-being.
Will not having a permanent home for a while be manageable?
Depending on how much time you have, you can whittle down some build options:
12–18+ months:Custom build (designing a house with an architect) is potentially realistic.
Up to 12 months: Custom build possible, but standardized or pre-approved plans (minor or no changes to an existing design) may be safer.
6-8 months: Consider pre-fab (home built in a factory and assembled or installed on site) solutions.
Less than 8 months: Look at ADUs, temporary homes, or trailers. (You can live in ADUs and temporary homes on your lot for up to three years after the fires.)
What’s your
bandwidth?
Building a house from the ground up is a lot of work. It can be fulfilling - even fun -but that depends on a few things.
Do you have time to manage the process? If not…
Do you have the budget to hire an owner’s rep or project manager to oversee the construction?
Does your budget allow for your architect to oversee the build?
Are you the type of person who thrives on having a project? If not…
Do you have a support system that can help? (Partner, family, etc)
If your budget isn’t robust…
Are you the type of person who can DIY and get scrappy to pull it off? If so, we have a guide coming for you soon.
c0nsider the effects
of selling
A few things to weigh:
If you’re part of a lawsuit, (like against SCE), ask your attorney how selling your lot could affect your settlement.
If you don’t have an attorney yet, see our guide to hiring a good one.
What to ask:“What is diminution in value, and how might it affect my settlement?”
Property values often rise in communities rebuilt after disaster. Rebuilding could increase your home equity.
Consult a financial advisor about the bigger picture - how selling vs. rebuilding impacts your finances and taxes.
some reduced-Cost
build options
More architects and builders are preparing offerings for survivors. If you’d like to be made aware when these become available, enter your email below.
*PostFire does not earn a listing or referral fee, and does not endorse any vendor, architect or contractor. Hire at your own discretion.
National Organization of
Minority Architects
The Southern California chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects has compiled a list of BIPOC architects who are available for fire rebuild services. Find that here.
*PostFire does not endorse any vendor, architect or contractor. Hire at your own discretion.
TIP:
If you’re having a hard time with the financials and would like some support, Operation Hope and Project Porchlightoffer free financial guidance for disaster survivors.
Office of Office also offers free financial assessments for Eaton total loss survivors of color.